Effect of Weather Parameters on Pest Dynamics of Maize in Summer at District Bahawalnagar (Pakistan)

This study was designed to evaluate the association between maize pest dynamics and in relation to abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) in tehsil Minchinabad district Bahawalnagar. The study was conducted from months of April to July in the crop of maize. The current study indicates that the attack of the insect pest increased on maize. These insect pests and diseases on maize are Stem borer (Chilo partellus), Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Common earwig (Forficula auricularia), Garden snail (Helix aspersa), Red cotton stainer (Dysdercus cingulatus), Aspergillus flavus and Rotten corn disease stock have been recognized to their broad environmental distribution in Bahawalnagar as a result of weather parameters. At higher temperature there was a marked increase in the population of pests while at relative humidity 46% and temperature 400C maximum population of the pest was recorded, it means that higher the temperature and relative humidity there was a marked fluctuation in pest dynamics and hence in spite of the absence of rainfall, the pest outbreak was recorded. Statistically different results significantly different (p < 0.05) using ANOVA one-way and linear regression.